Small Business Development Center - O'ahu

Growing a business is one thing.
Growing it faster than the average? That’s different.

SBDC clients are seeing more than 2X faster sales growth compared to the average U.S. business.

Strategy. Guidance. Real results.

This is what happens when you stop guessing—and start building with intention.

$5.53 BILLION.

That’s the level of impact America’s SBDC is making—helping small businesses access capital, grow stronger, and scale smarter.

Behind every dollar is a business owner who took a risk… and had the right support to win.

If you’re building something, you don’t have to do it alone.

From recycled soda cans to a full-time retail shop in Kailua-Kona, Candelaria Onyeabor—founder of Soda2Art—has transformed everyday aluminum into handcrafted wearable art since 2015.

With support from the Hawaiʻi SBDC, she developed a retail strategy, launched her storefront in Kailua Village, and grew her passion into a full-time income. She is now expanding her product line and preparing to hire staff, all while staying true to her sustainability mission.

“Thank you SBDC for all the help over the years as well as supporting me to successfully make the leap to full-time retailer.” — Candelaria Onyeabor

We’re proud to support Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurs as they innovate, create, and grow.
Learn more at hisbdc.org

Hawai‘i small businesses are the heart of our economy — and they deserve support.

Hawai‘i SBDC and HI‑CAP have been working together to deliver funding guidance, market navigation, and real-time solutions to small businesses statewide.

Check out this HNN feature to learn how technical assistance can make all the difference:
📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I0Zk7K-qRI

Hawai‘i SBDC + HI‑CAP: Technical assistance for small business success HI‑CAP partner Hawai‘i SBDC offers legal, accounting, and finance advice, funding navigation, and training—sign up to get no‑cost help.For more Local News fr...

✨ A look back at the AWS AI Pitch Competition: Live in Honolulu! ✨

HISBDC and HTDC were proud to host this exciting event where Hawaiʻi’s brightest entrepreneurs and innovators pitched their AI-powered ideas to a panel of expert judges.

Sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and PREDICTif Solutions, finalists competed for $25,000 in AWS & PREDICTif services, showcasing how artificial intelligence can drive creativity, community, and innovation across the islands.

🌺 Mahalo to our amazing judges, sponsors, and participants for making this event such a success! It’s inspiring to see Hawaiʻi’s tech community continue to grow and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Got an AI idea? Now’s your chance to turn it into reality. Hawaiʻi businesses are invited to pitch for $25,000 in services to bring their vision to life.

✅ Applications are open now — don’t wait.
👉 Apply here: https://www.hinowdaily.com/2025/09/18/pitch-your-ai-idea-local-businesses-invited-apply-25k-services/

Pitch your AI Idea: Local businesses invited to apply for $25K in services Local small businesses can apply by October 1 to pitch their AI concept. Winner gets up to $25K in services from PREDICTif Solutions + AWS.

🌴✨ Innovation meets opportunity in Hawaiʻi!

Join us for the AI Pitch Competition, where visionaries pitch their AI solutions for a chance to win $25,000 in AWS + PREDICTif services.

📅 Submission Deadline: Oct 1, 2025
📍 Live Pitch: Oct 15, 2–4:30 PM | HTDC Sandbox, Honolulu
🎟 Free to attend, registration required

➡ Apply to pitch: https://www.htdc.org/ai-pitch-application/

➡ Register to attend: https://clients.hisbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=8450001

Don’t miss this celebration of AI innovation in the islands!

📢 Calling all Hawaiʻi entrepreneurs!

Join us Thursday, August 21 for Grow Sales, the first workshop in our Visual Financial Forecasting series using SumoSum.

✔ Explore your numbers visually
✔ Compare business scenarios
✔ Validate your growth strategy
✔ Get access to professional mentors + a 1-year SumoSum.com subscription

Agenda:
🕓 4–5 PM: SumoSum Tutorial
🕕 5–6 PM: Pau Hana Breakouts

💲 $15/person per session
📍 Hosted by HISBDC Workshops
📅 Future Sessions: Sept 25, Oct 16, Nov 13

📲 Register today — spots are limited!

SHOW ME THE MONEY: Visual Forecasting with SumoSum
The Hawaiʻi SBDC is hosting a workshop series designed to help small business owners make better financial decisions.

What you’ll get:
1-Year Access to SumoSum.com
Hands-on support from professional mentors
Tools to visualize, test, and validate your business strategy
A relaxed Pau Hana breakout to connect with others

📍 East Hawaiʻi – HISBDC Workshops
💵 $15 per person, per session

🗓 Choose any or attend all:
August 21: Grow Sales
September 25: Reduce Costs
October 16: Build Brand
November 13: Scale Success

🕓 4:00–5:00 PM – SumoSum Tutorial
🕔 5:00–6:00 PM – Pau Hana Breakouts

Register now:
https://lnkd.in/gFcDGiUa

Presented in partnership with ID8, First Foundation Bank, and . Attendees may be featured on the Shaka Stars podcast.

What our clients are saying:

See how HISBDC support helped a local dermatologist turn her vision into a thriving practice.

Ready to start a business in Hawaiʻi?

Join HISBDC Center Director Kai Neizman for a live Zoom workshop on Thursday, July 17 that covers the essentials of launching a legal, successful business in the islands.

Details:
• Date: July 17, 2025 (Thursday)
• Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• Location: Zoom
• Fee: $15 (non-refundable)

You’ll learn about business formation, key ingredients for success, and the exact steps to get started in Hawaiʻi.

Register now at hisbdc.org or scan the QR code on the flyer.